Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best Front-Pocket Wallet

There are many, many advantages to using a front-pocket wallet. Front pocket wallets, unlike their larger counterparts, don’t cause your back to hurt when you sit on them. Any cards you store in them – like your credit, loyalty, insurance, ID cards – don’t get bent out of shape and so don’t have to be replaced as often. If you’ve owned an ordinary wallet for a while, you know it gets crimped and worn out and starts to look like a mess. Wear on front-pocket wallets is much less noticeable.

If you’re searching for the best front-pocket wallet out there, you’ve come to the right place! We have gathered a collection of high-quality, durable and affordable wallets from a host of reputable wallet manufacturers for you. We also discuss some top brands and have a buyer’s guide at the end that will help you find the perfect wallet for your needs.

The Best and the Brightest: Top 5 Front-Pocket Wallets

A front-pocket wallet needs to be small, thin and lightweight. It should be small enough to fit in your pocket with your keys and phone if it has to. It should be usable in most conditions and, because it’s usually a significant investment, should last you a while.

The easiest way to judge a wallet’s worth is to read reviews from previous buyers. Given below is a collection of top 5 front-pocket wallets that have garnered rave reviews and excellent star ratings. We’ve included minimalist wallets as well as bi-folds – minimalist wallets are ultra-thin and low capacity, while bi-folds are fractionally thicker and tend to have a lot more storage:

1)Alpine Swiss Mens Wallet Leather Money Clip

Alpine Swiss is a top brand that manufactures clothes, shoes and, of course, wallets. The Alpine Swiss Mens Wallet Leather Money Clip Thin Slim Front Pocket Wallet makes it to the top of our list thanks to its beautiful design, great texture, top build quality, and a bargain price. It’s perhaps the best front pocket wallet with money clip you’ll find in 2017.

The wallet is made from genuine leather – the kind that last long and ages well. Size wise, it’s a little taller and wider than a folded dollar note. The money clip on the wallet can hold several folded bills – approximately ten at max capacity. The clip is magnetic, and the magnet itself is of good quality and has the right amount of strength.

The Alpine Swiss is a looker. It looks like a premium wallet, despite its low cost. It’s available in black, grey, blue, and brown. There’s room in the wallet for three cards (more if you stuff them in, though the leather will loosen that way). There’s also a single ID card window at the back of the wallet.

Don’t like money clips? The Hammer Anvil RFID Front Pocket Wallet is the best men’s front pocket wallet without a money clip, hands down, thanks to its super-thin build, elegant looks and simple design. It’s made of genuine leather, which you’ll have to break in (to get it loose).

The Hammer Anvil wallet is available in 3 attractive, understated colors: brown, crosshatch gray and gray. There’s an embossed Hammer Anvil logo at the bottom, which lends it some character. You could fit it in any front pocket but it’s also a comfortable back-pocket carry.

The wallet has 4 upwards-facing pockets and 2 sideways (or secret) pockets for your money and cards. At max capacity, it will hold 6 cards and several folded bills and receipts. The wallet includes an RFID-blocking feature, which makes this an excellent wallet for when you travel.

3)Crabby Wallet – The Ultimate Minimalist Men’s Wallet

The Crabby Wallet makes it to third place thanks to its far-above-average usability. The Crabby Wallet is made up of woven elastic and is the best men’s front pocket wallet for heavy use. Crabby Gear is a company that specializes in building minimalist products for active lifestyles, and their wallet is one of their most popular products.

The Crabby Wallet is a single compartment elastic wallet that stretches out to hold money, cards, keys and even your phone. The elastic will stretch out to fit about 10 cards, some cash and other small knickknacks at max capacity. The build quality is solid and there’s no danger of your items falling out.

Crabby wallet has a security band that goes around it – it keeps it closed as well as provides you with a good grip. There’s also an attachment loop or key ring, which makes it convenient to carry and double as an anti-pickpocketing feature. The wallet is available in colors (only the grip and logo change colors) like Purple, Blue, Pink, Green and Red.

4)Villini Bifold Leather Men’s Wallet with Cash Pocket

The first bi-fold wallet on our list, the Villini Bifold Leather Men’s Wallet with Cash Pocket and Card Holder is perhaps the classiest wallet you’ll ever lay your eyes on. The Villini wallet is made of “Crazy Horse” Luxury Leather, giving it an amazing texture and feel. If you go by looks alone, it’s no stretch to say it’s the best slim front pocket wallet in the market.

You can get the Villini wallet in three tasteful colors: black, brown and lack brown. The luxury leather is subtly shiny and gives it a very distinctive look. The stitching on the wallet is also a treat to behold. The wallet is sturdy and is built to last.

When you open the wallet up, there’s room for four cards (4 slots), some money and receipts. When folded, the wallet is just 0.4 inches thick – you’ll barely notice it’s there, even when you stuff it to the brim. At the asking price, the wallet is a definite steal.

5)Flowfold Vanguard Limited Slim Front Pocket Bifold Wallet

The Flowfold Vanguard Limited Slim Front Pocket Bifold Wallet is the second bi-fold that makes it to our list. It’s made in the US from ultra light carbon fiber and Kevlar. The construction of the wallet is vegan – no leather or corrosive chemicals are used in its construction. It’s out top pick for the best front pocket wallet for the environmentally conscious.

The Flowfold Vanguard looks distinctive, with a dark blue border and a body that’s available in bold colors like Bicycle Red, Jet Black and Heather Gray. There are two card slots on the inside, where you can fit in about 4 cards. There’s a single money pocket for your notes (it’s a little on the smaller side, won’t fit Euros).

The wallet is super-thin and very light. It’s as thin as two credit cards stacked on top of each other and weights only as much as about 3 sheets of printed paper. The wallet is made from highly durable, tear-resistant and water-resistant materials. It’ll dry quickly and float in water if you manage to drop it where you shouldn’t.

Honorable Mentions

These wallets didn’t quite make it to the top 5. They’re still amazing wallets, though. They’d probably have made it to the top on a different day:

Most Popular Types of Front-Pocket Wallets

Picking the best front-pocket wallet can be a difficult proposition. There are a lot of choices in the market, after all, and it can be very disorienting for a first time buyer. If you knew the type of wallet you wanted, though, the search would be made much easier. Here are some of the top front-pocket wallet categories/types you’ll have to consider during your search (with their pros and cons):

Minimalist wallets:

Minimalist wallets make for perfect front-pocket wallets. They are usually tiny, lightweight and have decent card-carrying capacity. Most minimalist wallets will let you store 6 cards, at the most (sometimes even less). There’s usually little room for cash and receipts. There’s almost always no room for keys and coins.

Bi-folds and tri-folds:

There are several slim bi-folds and tri-fold wallets thin enough to be front-pocket wallets. With bi-folds and tri-folds, you’ll be able to carry a lot more cards and cash at one time. They also tend to be easier to use than minimalist wallets. Some bi-folds and tri-folds will have small coin pouches for coins. You’ll also be able to slide-in keys in them.

Metal wallets:

Metal wallets are made up of highly-durable, long-lasting metals like aluminum, stainless steel and titanium. They tend to be much heavier than regular wallets. They are also not as flexible and some are hard to use. Metal wallets make for great front-pocket wallets, though. They also tend to be very thin and won’t lose shape even with regular use. The Spine Titanium walletis the world’s thinnest wallet at just 1mm thick and is the best slim front pocket wallet out there if you evaluate by size alone.

Card holders:

If you carry more cards than you do cash, coins and other knickknacks, then you should think about getting a card holder. Card holders will hold a large number of cards inside – 12, 24 and more. They, however, don’t usually have room for keys, coins and cash – especially if you’re looking for something that you’ll fit into your front-pocket.

Quality Brands that Sell Outstanding Front-Pocket Wallets

Your search for the best front-pocket wallet can’t end without you taking a look at the most popular front-pocket wallet makers. Many of the manufacturers in the list below have been around for years and have loyal followings with customers. If you buy a wallet from them, you’ll be sure to get something that will stand the test of time.

TGT – Tight Wallets

TGT has its origins on Kickstarter.com. It’s the most successful wallet story in the site’s history. The brand products high-quality, easy-to-use wallets made from customized yarns and elastics. TGT wallets are made to be durable and long-lasting. They’re available in a variety of signature colors, patterns and design types.

The TGT Americana 1.0 Elastic Card Holder is a best seller and a mainstay for the brand. Every wallet they make it handcrafted. The Americana has blue, white and red stripes like the flag. There’s room in it for a handful of credit cards, notes and receipts. It has a tight elastic mouth that keeps the items safe.

Distil Union

Distil Union is yet another brand that began on Kickstarter.com. They create useful products that make day-to-day living a breeze. The Distill Union brand mainly manufactures mobile phone cases, stands and wallets. Their wallets collection is big and includes products like the Fat Wallets, Leather Wallets and sleeves.

The Wally Billfold is their most popular product. It’s a little on the expensive side, but we believe it’s worth the asking price. It can hold 30 currency notes and 12 cards at max capacity. It has a patent-pending FlexLock feature – you need to press on two ends of every pocket in the wallet to flex them open. The flexible steel spring-based design keeps your cards very secure.

Bellroy

Bellroy is an Australian brand that creates good-looking, high-quality wallets. They started out in early 2000s, when thin wallets started to become popular. They are a certified B corporation and craft environmentally-friendly products. If you’re worried about your carbon footprint, Bellroy wallets will put your mind at ease.

The Bellroy Slim Sleeve is one of the top products in their inventory and a best-seller on Amazon.com. It’s available in quirky, full-body colors like Orange, Arctic Blue and Black. It’ll carry 12 cards, receipts and some cash at maximum capacity. It’s expensive, but it will last a long time.

Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy Hilfiger is a leading fashion brand. It creates preppy, innovative clothes, apparel and accessories. Their wallets are very high-quality. If you’re looking for something durable that comes with brand security, minimalist/front-pocket wallets from Tommy Hilfiger should be at the top of your list.

The Tommy Hilfiger Ranger Leather Passcase wallet is a light, classy wallet that you can carry in both your front and back pockets. It has 6 card slots and a single money pocket. It’s available in attractive colors, the leather is genuine, and the build design is clever.

Fossil

Fossil is a well-known watch maker, jewelry supplier and fashion brand. They have a big presence all over the world. Their watches, as you might know, are really innovative and have standout workmanship. They use the same innovation and eye for detail in their wallets.

The Fossil Men’s Ingram is made from 100% genuine leather. It has a strong magnetic money clip which can hold about 30 folded bills at maximum capacity. There’s room in the wallet for a handful of cards (there are 3 slots). It’s a strong contender for the title best front pocket wallet with money clip, especially at the asking price.

What to Look For in a Front-Pocket Wallet

Don’t know what to look for in a front-pocket wallet? If you’ve owned a front-pocket wallet before, you’ll have an easy time finding a replacement. It’s important that you don’t make an impulse buy, though. Wallet manufacturers have become very creative recently and some of their newer offerings are really useful and innovative. Take your time, do your research and – most importantly- read up on buyer reviews before settling on something.

If you have never owned a front-pocket wallet before, here’s a buyer’s guide that you will find useful:

Size:

You don’t want the wallet to be too large. Some wallet manufacturers will attempt to pass off their product as a front-pocket wallet even when it’s clearly too large to fit in there, so be on the lookout for that. Ask yourself if you need to carry your phone and keys along with your wallet in the same pocket. If you don’t need to, then you could get a bigger one for added capacity. Some wallets will fit a shirt pocket well but struggle to get into a jeans pocket.

Storage:

Front pocket-wallets aren’t exactly known for their storage capacity. Only get one if you’re okay with carrying a handful of cards and some cash. You’ll have to make do without storage space for receipts, coins and keys. Our society is headed towards the cashless route and plastic money is all we need these days, so it’s not a big sacrifice. If you absolutely must have room for a couple of dozen cards, consider a card holder or a tri-fold wallet instead.

Material:

What kind of material are you looking for? Leather looks good, but you have to take care of it, even if it’s strong and tough full-grain leather. It’s also not very water-resistant and tear-resistant. Polycarbonates, elastics, canvas and other mixes are generally sturdier, age better and last longer. Metal wallets are the sturdiest, though not the most flexible.

Looks:

Your wallet is a part of your wardrobe. You want to get something that you know will age well and won’t wear out quickly. We all have that friend who owns a leather wallet that’s falling apart at the seams. Old wallets are an eye sore that can negatively impact your image. If you like a wallet, make sure the manufacturer is using treated leather or anodized metal. Keep an eye on the stitching – you don’t want the ropes to fray. Full-grain leather will age well. Metal is, perhaps, the best material to get for a wallet, especially if it’s well-treated. It will hold its shine for a long time.

RFID:

Is RFID essential? RFID protection, despite what many manufactures claim, isn’t really necessary. Despite what some sources claim, experts say that modern cards don’t contain critical data in the RFID chip that can be stolen, like your PIN number. Also, not many people know that (some) banks issue non-RFID cards upon request. Don’t get a wallet just because it includes RFID protection – treat it as an added bonus instead.

Ease of use:

How easy is it to get to your cards, money and receipts? Money clips look good, but they can sometimes be difficult to use – especially if you are in a hurry. Why? You have to pull the flap open and then sort through a wad of cash to separate out the bills you need. There’s also some danger of your notes falling out if the magnet gets dislodged. Bi-folds and tri-folds are generally simpler to use, thanks to their simple design. Retrieving money and cards is almost effortless. A wallet that has an ID window is always a plus. Card holders often come with simple lever mechanisms that allow you to get to your favorite cards quickly.

Are Front-Pocket Wallets Better than Regular Ones?

Some people swear by front-pocket wallets, while others love their classic back pocket leather wallets. Are front-pocket wallets better? It’s all about personal preferences in the end, but front-pocket wallets do offer several advantages over your regular leather wallet. They don’t get as fat and bulgy, for example, so they are easier to carry around. They are much easier to retrieve as they’re in the front, especially if you’re in a hurry. Research tells us that pickpockets target people that carry their wallets in their back pockets. It’s much harder for thieves to get to wallets carried in the front. They keep your cards healthier and they also manage to retain their looks for longer. All in all, they are a smart buy.

We hope all the information here helps you find the best front-pocket wallet. Wallets cost a lot of money, especially the high-end ones made up of genuine leather. Not all of us can afford to get a replacement every year, so it’s best to get something you know will be durable and reliable. The wallets we have mentioned here are all worthwhile buys.

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